Effect of niacin supplementation on rumen fermentation characteristics and nutrient flow at the duodenum in lactating dairy cows fed a diet with a negative rumen nitrogen balance

The aim of the present experiment was to ascertain if a daily niacin supplementation of 6 g/cow to lactating dairy cow diets can compensate for the decrease in rumen microbial fermentation due to a negative rumen nitrogen balance (RNB). A total of nine ruminally and duodenally fistulated lactating multiparous German Holstein cows was used. The diets consisted of 10 kg dry matter (DM) maize silage and 7 kg DM concentrate and differed as follows: (i) Diet RNB- (n = 6) with energy and utilisable crude protein (CP) at the duodenum (uCP) according to the average requirement of the animals, but with a negative RNB (-0.41 g N/MJ metabolisable energy [ME]); (ii) Diet RNB0 (n = 7) with energy, uCP, and RNB (0.08 g N/MJ ME) according to the average requirement of the animals; and (iii) Diet NA (nicotinic acid; n = 5), which was the same diet as RNB-, but supplemented with 6 g niacin/d. The negative RNB affected the rumen fermentation pattern and reduced ammonia content in rumen fluid and the daily duodenal flows of microbial CP (MP) and uCP. Niacin supplementation increased the apparent ruminal digestibility of neutral detergent fibre. The efficiency of microbial protein synthesis per unit of rumen degradable CP was higher, whereby the amount of MP reaching the duodenum was unaffected by niacin supplementation. The number of protozoa in rumen fluid was higher in NA treatment. The results indicated a more efficient use of rumen degradable N due to changes in the microbial population in the rumen when niacin was supplemented to diets deficient in RNB for lactating dairy cows.

Effect of niacin supplementation on digestibility, nitrogen utilisation and milk and blood variables in lactating dairy cows fed a diet with a negative rumen nitrogen balance

The aim of the present experiment was to determine if a niacin supplementation of 6 g/d to lactating dairy cow diets can compensate negative effects of a rumen nitrogen balance (RNB) deficit. A total of nine ruminally and duodenally fistulated lactating multiparous German Holstein cows were successively assigned to one of three diets consisting of 10 kg maize silage (dry matter [DM] basis) and 7 kg DM concentrate: Diet RNB- (n = 6) with energy and utilisable crude protein at the duodenum (uCP) according to the average requirement of the animals but with a negative RNB (-0.41 g N/MJ metabolisable energy [ME]); Diet RNB0 (n = 7) with energy, uCP and a RNB (0.08 g N/MJ ME) according to the average requirement of the animals and, finally, Diet NA (n = 5), which was the same diet as RNB-, but supplemented with 6 g niacin/d. Samples of milk were taken on two consecutive days, blood samples were taken on one day pre- and post-feeding and faeces and urine were collected completely over five consecutive days. The negative RNB reduced milk and blood urea content and apparent total tract digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF). Also N excretion with urine, the total N excreted with urine and faeces and the N balance were reduced when the RNB was negative. Supplementation of niacin elevated plasma glucose concentration after feeding and the N balance increased. Supplementing the diet with a negative RNB with niacin led to a more efficient use of dietary N thereby avoiding the negative effects of the negative RNB on the digestibility of DM, OM and NDF.

Effects of folic acid supplementation to rations differing in the concentrate to roughage ratio on ruminal fermentation, nutrient flow at the duodenum, and on serum and milk variables of dairy cows

The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of dietary folic acid (FOL) supplementation on ruminal fermentation, duodenal nutrient flow, serum and milk variables, and on B-vitamin concentration in serum. The study was divided into two experiments: in Exp. 1 the forage to concentrate (F:C) ratio of the diet (DM basis) was 34:66 (high concentrate, HC), while in Exp. 2 the F:C ratio was 66:34 (high forage, HF). In addition, the cows received 0 or 1 g FOL/d. In Exp. 1, two German Holstein cows equipped with cannulas in the dorsal sac of the rumen and in the proximal duodenum were dry and five were lactating (186 +/- 144 days in milk); in Exp. 2 four cows were dry and four were lactating (165 +/- 57 days in milk). In cows fed the HC diet, FOL supplementation decreased the ruminally-fermented organic matter. Thus, less energy was available for ruminal microorganisms, which resulted in a reduced microbial crude protein flow at the duodenum. Feeding the HF diet, FOL supplementation only increased the apparent ruminal digestibility of acid detergent fibre (ADF). With the HF diet, FOL had no influence on the serum levels of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate, urea, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxal-5'-phosphate, pyridoxic acid, pyridoxal, pyridoxine, pyridoxamine, pantothenic acid, nicotinamide or nicotinic acid, whereas supplementing FOL to the HC diet lowered the serum glucose and riboflavin levels. In both experiments, the supplementation of FOL had no effects on milk composition. Folic acid supplementation to both diets increased the concentrations of serum 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate. However, no beneficial effects to dairy cows were obvious. Therefore, to achieve certain results, studies with a higher number of non-fistulated cows would be necessary.

Iodine concentration of milk in a dose-response study with dairy cows and implications for consumer iodine intake

Most feed is poor in iodine and iodine supplementation of cow's diets must guarantee milk iodine concentrations for humans that contribute to prevention of the deficiency and minimize the risk of exceeding an upper limit of iodine intake. Five Holstein cows were fed four iodine doses (via Ca(Iota O(3))(2).6H(2)O). In four sequential 14-d periods, doses of 0.2 (basal diet), 1.3, 5.1, and 10.1 mg iodine kg(-1) diet dry matter (DM) were administered. Samples of milk were collected during each period; blood was also sampled from each cow for each iodine dosage. In an 18-d depletion period, a non-supplemented diet was provided. Iodine was determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The iodine content of milk and serum reflected the iodine dosages in feed significantly. The levels for the four doses tested in milk were 101+/-32, 343+/-109, 1215+/-222, and 2762+/-852 microg iodine kg(-1). The total amount of iodine in milk per day was 30-40% of ingested supplemental iodine. Omitting additional iodine resulted in a short-term reduction of serum and milk iodine following an exponential decay function. The iodine supplementation of 0.5-1.5 mg kg(-1) diet DM represents the requirement of the cow, resulting in 100-300 microg iodine L(-1) milk, which optimally contributes to human supply. The maximum dietary levels of former and present EU legislations (10 and 5 mg iodine kg(-1) cow feed) increase the risk of iodine excess in humans.

Effects of defaunation on fermentation characteristics and biotin balance in an artificial rumen-simulation system (RUSITEC) receiving diets with different amounts and types of cereal

Biotin is required by rumen microbes for efficient fermentation. To evaluate the role of protozoa in ruminal biotin metabolism, five diets composed of grass hay or of grass hay/cereal grain mixtures were supplied to faunated or defaunated RUSITEC fermenters. In the mixed diets, hay was replaced to 33:67 or 67:33 w/w on an air-dried basis by either wheat or maize grain in order to simulate different cellulolytic and amylolytic fermentation conditions. Defaunation increased SCFA production, whereas NH4concentration and the release of CH4were reduced. Biotin input declined when cereal grain was used to replace the hay. With the exception of the high-wheat treatment, defaunated fermenters yielded higher biotin outputs than faunated fermenters. The biotin balance, calculated as the difference between the total biotin output (biotin in the solid residue contained in the nylon bags after fermentation plus the biotin in the effluent) and the biotin input with the feed, was negative for all the dietary treatments apart from fermenters supplied with the high-maize diet. It was less negative or, in the case of the high-maize diets, more positive for defaunated compared with faunated fermenters. It was concluded that, under normal faunated conditions, protozoa directly utilise or indirectly affect the bacterial synthesis and/or utilisation of biotin. With diets of a high fermentation potential, as realised with the high-wheat diet, protozoa prevent the development of a bacterial population that would utilise high or synthesise low amounts of biotin.

Influence of roughage/concentrate ratio and linseed oil on the concentration oftrans-fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid in duodenal chyme and milk fat of late lactating cows

The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of two roughage-to-concentrate ratios, with or without linseed oil supplementation, on the flow of fatty acids in the intestinal chyme and the secretion in milk fat in late lactating cows. Seven late lactating cows fitted with cannulae in the dorsal rumen and simple T-shaped cannulae in the proximal duodenum were randomly assigned to four experimental periods applying an incomplete replicated 2 x 2 Latin square design. The rations consisted of meadow hay and a concentrate mixture given in a ratio of 70:30 or 30:70 on dry matter basis. The basal rations were fed without or with 200 g linseed oil daily. After three weeks of adaptation, samples from the duodenal chyme were taken to study the flow of fatty acids. Additionally, milk samples were analysed for their milk fat composition. Decreasing roughage/concentrate ratio and linseed oil supplementation significantly increased the flow of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), trans-fatty acids (tFA) and conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) in the duodenum. Furthermore, linseed oil increased the flow of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in the duodenum. Higher concentrate portion (H 30) and linseed oil supplementation significantly decreased the milk fat content. SFA were lower (p < 0.05) and MUFA were higher (p < 0.05) in milk fat after linseed oil supplementation; H 30 resulted in more polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, p < 0.05) in the milk. Linseed oil supplementation significantly increased tFA and CLA in milk fat. The higher CLA content in milk fat as compared to that in the digesta suggests that a substantial endogenous synthesis of CLA in the mammary gland tissue through A9-desaturase took place. Between 21% and 48% of duodenal t11-C(18:1) were converted into c9, t11-CLA in milk fat.

Effects ofFusariumtoxin-contaminated wheat and feed intake level on the biotransformation and carry-over of deoxynivalenol in dairy cows

An experiment was carried out to examine the effects of feeding Fusarium toxin-contaminated wheat (8.21 mg deoxynivalenol (DON) and 0.09 mg zearalenone (ZON) per kg dry matter) at different feed intake levels on the biotransformation and carry-over of DON in dairy cows. For this purpose, 14 ruminal and duodenal fistulated dairy cows were fed a diet containing 60% concentrate with a wheat portion of 55% (Fusarium toxin-contaminated wheat (mycotoxin period) or control wheat (control period)) and the ration was completed with maize- and grass silage (50 : 50) on a dry matter basis. Daily DON intakes ranged from 16.6 to 75.6 mg in the mycotoxin period at dry matter intakes of 5.6-20.5 kg. DON was almost completely biotransformed to de-epoxy DON (94-99%) independent of the DON/feed intake, and the flow of DON and de-epoxy DON at the duodenum related to DON intake ranged from 12 to 77% when the Fusarium toxin-contaminated wheat was fed. In the serum samples, de-epoxy DON was detected in the range of 4-28 ng ml-1 in the mycotoxin period, while concentrations of DON were all below the detection limit. The daily excretion of DON and de-epoxy DON in the milk of cows fed the contaminated wheat varied between 1 and 10 microg and between 14 and 104 microg, respectively. The total carry-over rates as the ratio between the daily excretion of DON and de-epoxy DON into milk and DON intake were in the ranges of 0.0001-0.0002 and 0.0004-0.0024, respectively. Total carry-over rates of DON as DON and de-epoxy DON into the milk increased significantly with increasing milk yield. In the urine samples, de-epoxy DON was the predominant substance as compared with DON with a portion of the total DON plus de-epoxy DON concentration to 96% when the Fusarium toxin-contaminated wheat was fed, whereas the total residues of DON plus de-epoxy DON in faeces ranged between 2 and 18% of DON intake in the mycotoxin period. The degree of glucuronidation of de-epoxy DON was found to be approximately 100% in serum. From 33 to 80% of DON and from 73 to 92% of de-epoxy DON, and from 21 to 92% of DON and from 86 to 100% of de-epoxy DON were glucuronidated in the milk and urine, respectively. It is concluded that DON is very rapidly biotransformed to de-epoxy DON in the rumen and only negligible amounts of DON and de-epoxy DON were transmitted into the milk within the range of 5.6-20.5 kg day-1 dry matter intake and milk yields (fat corrected milk) between 10 and 42 kg day-1.

Influence of aFusarium culmoruminoculation of wheat on the progression of mycotoxin accumulation, ingredient concentrations and ruminalin saccodry matter degradation of wheat residues

The Fusarium head blight (FHB)-susceptible winter wheat cv. Ritmo was inoculated with spores of Fusarium culmorum at the beginning of full blossom. Samples of whole wheat plants were taken once weekly from anthesis until harvest and subsequently fractionated into straw, glumes and spindles, which were examined for deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZON). Additionally, the content of crude protein (CP) and non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) was scrutinized. Synthesis of the Fusarium toxins DON and ZON generally differed in terms of date of formation and concentration. Final mean DON concentrations of 37.5, 28.1 and 5.0 mg/kg DM were measured in glumes, spindles and straw, respectively, at the time of harvest. At this time, maximal mean ZON concentrations of 587, 396 and 275 microg/kg DM in spindles, glumes and straw, respectively, were determined. Moreover, Fusarium infected wheat residues contained higher CP but lower NSP contents at the last three sampling dates. In addition, collective samples of wheat straw and chaff were taken to investigate the effect of the Fusarium contamination on their in sacco DM degradation in dairy cows. Samples were analysed for mycotoxins and selected quality parameters. The dried and milled collective samples of straw and chaff were weighed into nylon bags and subjected to ruminal incubation for 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h in two dairy cows equipped with a permanent rumen cannula. Marked differences in level of mycotoxin contamination as well as in ingredient composition between the variants of straw and chaff were detected. Moreover, after 120 h rumen incubation the in sacco DM degradation of inoculated straw and chaff were lower compared to the accordant controls. The soluble fraction was increased in inoculated samples, whereas a diminishment in the potentially degradable but insoluble fraction was more pronounced. Thereby, a decrease in the potential degradability was obtained for inoculated straw and even if less pronounced for chaff compared to the non inoculated corresponding controls. In conclusion, infection with F. culmorum of wheat involves an increased risk of mycotoxin contamination in straw. Also, a Fusarium infection may have an impact on chemical composition and may result in Fusarium growth-related modifications of host cell wall components.

Investigations on the effect of the ruminal N-balance on rumen metabolism, urea content in blood serum and milk as well as some liver parameters of lactating cows

Seven dairy cows fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulae were used to investigate the influence of the amount of ruminally available N (Ruminal N-Balance, RNB) on the rumen metabolism and to answer the question on the lowest N-amount in the rumen, without negative effects on the fermentation. Animals were fed a ration on the basis of 7.9 kg corn silage and 7.2 kg concentrates related to dry matter, intended to meet the animals mean NEL and protein requirements. RNB amounted to -0.6 g/MJ ME in the basis ration. The other 3 rations were adjusted to RNB-values of -0.3, 0 and + 0.3 g/MJ ME by urea supplements in the concentrates. The increase in RNB resulted in higher NH3-N concentrations in the rumen fluid and in the duodenal digesta and higher urea concentrations in the blood and milk. The significantly highest amount of protein at the duodenum was detected when RNB showed an equilibrium (RNB = 0). The efficiency of microbial protein (MP) synthesis (gMP/kg fermented organic matter) was the same, g MP/d and g MP/MJ ME were significantly lower with RNB = -0.6g/MJ ME as compared to RNB = 0. The group with thelowest RNB showed the highest level of feedprotein degradation as well as the lowest organic matter, NDF and ADF fermentation. An effect on cholesterol, total bilirubin and gammaGT due to different RNB was not detected. The activities of GLDH and AST were highest when the RNB was -0.6 g/MJ ME. From the results, it can be concluded that significantly negative effects on rumen fermentation occur when RNB-values are below -0.3 g/MJ ME. However, a positive RNB did not increase t he degradation and synthesis capacity of the rumen micro-organisms as compared to RNB = 0.

Effects of level of feed intake and Fusarium toxin-contaminated wheat on rumen fermentation as well as on blood and milk parameters in cows

The aims of this study were to examine the effects of and possible interactions between dry matter (DM) intake and feeding Fusarium toxin-contaminated wheat on ruminal fermentation, serum chemical parameters and milk yield of dairy cows. Fourteen dairy cows equipped with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were analysed. All animals were fed the same ration, the daily feed amounts being adjusted to current performance. On DM basis, the ration consisted of 60% concentrate including 55% wheat [Fusarium-contaminated wheat (mycotoxin period) or control wheat (control period)] and was completed with 40% maize and grass silage. Each cow was fed the contaminated wheat [deoxynivalenol (DON), 8.21 mg/kg DM and zearalenone (ZON), 0.09 mg/kg DM] and the control wheat (0.25 mg DON/kg DM and 51 microg ZON/kg DM). As expected, a higher organic matter (OM) intake decreased the amounts of fermented crude nutrients related to the respective intakes. An increased amount of crude protein degraded (p < 0.05) and a lower molar percentage of propionate in the rumen fluid were observed when feeding the Fusarium toxin-contaminated wheat at increased OM intakes in comparison with the control wheat. The activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT; p < 0.001), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH; p < 0.01) and gamma glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT; p < 0.01) increased with increasing OM intake and were not related to the mycotoxin contamination of the wheat.

Studies on the biotin flow at the duodenum of dairy cows fed diets with different concentrate levels and types of forages

Biotin is involved in many vital metabolic pathways and must be provided for an efficient fermentation in the rumen, as well as for the intermediary metabolism of the host animal. Factors influencing ruminal biotin metabolism and output are widely unknown at present. Therefore, dairy cows fitted with permanent cannulas in the dorsal rumen and in the proximal duodenum were fed differently composed diets, and the biotin flow at the proximal duodenum was measured. The diets (on DM basis) consisted of 8.9 kg grass hay (Diet 1), 8.9 kg corn silage plus 2.0 kg concentrate (Diet 2), or 7.3 and 7.4 kg grass silage plus 10.0kg concentrate (Diets 3 and 4). The concentrate in Diets 3 and 4 contained 87% wheat and corn grain, respectively. The cows were pre-fed the rations for 21 days. Thereafter duodenal digesta was sampled every two h for 5 days. Cr2O3 served as a flow marker and the microbial proportion of total nitrogen at the duodenum was estimated by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The duodenal flow of biotin was not related to biotin intake, but to the amount of fermented organic matter (FOM) and the amount of microbial protein (Biotin [mg/d] = 0.518 kg FOM - 0.300; r=0.85 and biotin [mg/d] = 0.012 x g microbial protein + 1.478; r = 0.84), irrespective of the composition of the diet fed. Mean daily biotin flow was 0.48 +/- 0.11 mg/kg FOM without any systematic effect of diet composition. The ruminal biotin balance, calculated as the difference between biotin flow at the duodenum and biotin intake, was positive (1.4 - 2.0 mg/d) in cows fed the mixed roughage/concentrate diets and negative (-0.71 mg/d) when the pure hay diet was fed.

Effects of Fusarium toxin-contaminated wheat grain on nutrient turnover, microbial protein synthesis and metabolism of deoxynivalenol and zearalenone in the rumen of dairy cows

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of feeding Fusarium toxin-contaminated wheat to dairy cows on nutrient utilization in the rumen and on duodenal flow of deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZON) and their metabolites. Six dairy cows fitted with a large rumen cannula and a simple T-shaped cannula at the proximal duodenum was used in two experiments. The experiments included a control period in which the uncontaminated control wheat was fed and a period in which the control wheat was replaced by the Fusarium toxin-contaminated wheat (8.05 and 7.15 mg DON/kg and 0.26 and 0.1 mg ZON/kg in Expts 1 and 2 respectively). The wheat portion of the daily ration amounted to 50% on a dry matter (DM) basis and rations were completed with hay or grass silage. Five of the six cows were non-lactating and the total daily DM-intake ranged between 4 and 12 kg. The pH-values and the concentration of volatile fatty acids in ruminal fluid were not significantly influenced by feeding the contaminated wheat. In contrast, the postprandial ammonia concentration was consistently higher when the mycotoxin-contaminated wheat was fed. Moreover, the flow of microbial protein and utilizable protein at the duodenum were reduced at the same time. The concentrations of DON and ZON and of their metabolites in freeze-dried duodenal digesta were either not detectable or negligible during the control periods whereas distinct concentrations were measured during the periods where the contaminated wheat was fed. DON was nearly completely metabolized to de-epoxy-DON and the flow at the duodenum ranged between 4% and 28% of DON-intake. The ZON metabolites alpha-zearalenol (ZOL) and beta-ZOL were recovered at the duodenum beside the parent toxin ZON. Their recovery as a percentage of ZON-intake ranged between 43% and 132%. In conclusion, feeding of Fusarium toxin-contaminated wheat altered the ruminal protein utilization. The question of whether this effect was a result of the mycotoxin being present in the rumen or of Fusarium growth-related structural (cell wall) changes of the wheat grain needs to be clarified. The low recovery of DON at the duodenum would indicate either a nearly complete degradation of the molecule in the rumen or an absorption by the mucosa of the rumen, whereas the higher ZON recovery would suggest a lower degradation of the parent toxin in the rumen and/or recovery of some bile-originating entero-hepatic cycling ZON/metabolites.

Feeding value of crambe press cake and extracted meal as well as production responses of growing-finishing pigs and dairy cows fed these by-products

To analyse the feeding value of crambe press cake (CPC) and crambe extracted meal (CEM), and the incorporation limits in pig diets, a series of balance trials with a total of 12 male castrates was conducted. Additionally, in a feeding trial the effect of 5% and 10% CPC or CEM on growth performance and on pork quality was tested. The CP content of CPC and CEM was 207 and 331 g/kg DM, respectively, and the residual EE 144 and 26 g/kg DM, respectively. The erucic acid concentration amounted to 56% of total fatty acids. Glucosinolate contents were found to be 50 mmol/kg CPC-DM and 70 mmol/kg CEM-DM. The digestibility of OM was 54% for both by-products and the ME contents were 10.6 and 9.3 MJ/kg DM for CPC and CEM, respectively. In the feeding trial, 10% CPC in the diet significantly decreased BWG from 782 g/d (controls) to 742 g/d. Due to glucosinolate intake, the weight of liver, thyroid glands and kidneys was significantly increased. The body fat showed an increased deposition of erucic acid in back fat and intramuscular fat, but changes in sensory properties of the meat were not detected. It is recommended that the incorporation rate of CPC and CEM in diets for growing-finishing pigs should not exceed 5%. The balance experiments, carried out with four wethers each, showed that the OM of CPC and CEM was better digested by ruminants, amounting to 71% or 67%, respectively. The energy content amounted to 7.4 and 6.0 MJ NEL/kg DM, respectively. In the feeding trials with lactating cows, 30% CPC or CEM in the concentrate resulted in a decrease of concentrate intake of about 7%. Due to the high residual fat content of CPC, the milk fat content decreased and the erucic acid content increased. The high glucosinolate intake affected the iodine concentration in the milk. CPC and CEM feeding decreased the iodine content from 271-117 microg/kg and from 182-77 microg, respectively. It is recommended that crambe by-products should not exceed 15% in concentrates or an intake of 1 kg/d for dairy cows.

On the effects ofFusariumtoxin-contaminated wheat and the feed intake level on the metabolism and carry over of zearalenone in dairy cows

The aim was to investigate the effect of feeding Fusarium toxin-contaminated wheat to dairy cows on the metabolism and carry over of zearalenone (ZON) and its metabolites at different feed intakes. Fourteen dairy cows equipped with rumen and duodenal fistulae were used. The experiment consisted of a control period in which the uncontaminated wheat was fed and a mycotoxin period in which the Fusarium toxin-contaminated wheat (8.21 mg deoxynivalenol (DON) and 91 microg ZON kg(-1) dry matter (DM)) was replaced by the control wheat (0.25 mg DON kg(-1) and 51 microg ZON kg(-1) DM). The wheat portion of the concentrate fed daily amounted to 55% on a DM basis. The ration was completed with maize and grass silage (50:50), whereby the maize silage contained 62 microg ZON kg(-1) DM. Feed intakes were adjusted to the current performance of the individual cows. The ZON metabolites alpha-zearalenol (alpha-ZOL) and beta-zearalenol (beta-ZOL) were recovered at the duodenum beside the parent toxin ZON. The recovery of ingested ZON as ZON plus alpha-ZOL plus beta-ZOL at the duodenum ranged between 19 and 247%. The portion of ZON (ranging from 29 to 99%) of the ZON plus alpha-ZOL plus beta-ZOL flow at the duodenum increased significantly with increasing ZON feed intake, whereas the portion of beta-ZOL (up to 57%) decreased significantly. In contrast, portions of ZON in faeces (32-100%), alpha-ZOL (up to 39%) and beta-ZOL (up to 43%) of ZON plus alpha-ZOL plus beta-ZOL were independent of ZON intake. It seems that a lower retention time of the feed and the toxins in the rumen as an effect of the increased feed intake may limit the ruminal metabolization of ZON. The relatively steady recovery of ingested ZON as ZON, alpha-ZOL and beta-ZOL in faeces at the different levels of ZON intake would suggest a further reduction of ZON by intestinal microorganisms. Furthermore, ZON and its metabolites in the milk were lower than the detection limits at daily ZON and DM intakes between 75 and 1125 microg and 5.6 and 20.5 kg day(-1), respectively, and milk yields (fat corrected milk, FCM) between 10 and 42 kg day(-1).

Effect of glyphosate contaminated feed on rumen fermentation parameters and in sacco degradation of grass hay and corn grain

Abstract Four rumen fistulated wethers were used to investigate the effect of glyphosate contaminated feed on rumen fermentation. The rations were based on corn silage, urea and a vitamin-mineral premix, either in the absence or presence of 0.77 g glyphosate per kg DM. Furthermore, rations were fed either with or without aromatic amino acid supplementation. During four periods of 28 days, sheep received each of the four dietary treatments according to a Latin square. After 14 days of adaptation rumen fermentation parameters (pH, ammonia, volatile fatty acids) were measured on day 15 over a five-hour period after the morning feeding. The remaining 13 days served for in sacco degradation studies with grass hay and corn grain. Ammonia (NH3) and pH of rumen fluid were within the normal range for all dietary treatments (NH3: 9.1-32.3 mmol x l(- l), pH: 6.2-6.7). Neither rumen fermentation parameters nor in sacco DM and NDF degradation of incubated feedstuffs were significantly affected by glyphosate, with or without aromatic amino acid supplementation. Kinetic profiles of the in sacco dry matter and NDF degradation of grass hay were almost identical for the dietary treatments.

The estimation of utilizable amino acids (uAA) of feeds for ruminants using an in vitro incubation technique

The in vitro incubation technique of Zhao and Lebzien (2000; Arch. Anim. Nutr. 53, 293-302) was used for the estimation of utilizable amino acids (uAA) (sum of amino acids from undegraded feed protein and microbial protein, when N is not limiting) of feeds for ruminants. The rumen fluid from a cow fed only with hay (Expt. 1) and that from a sheep fed with a mixed ration (Expt. 2) was compared with respect to estimation of uAA. In Expt. 1, 30 feeds and feed mixtures were tested and in Expt. 2, 33 feeds and feed mixtures were tested. A close linear relationship was found between the utilizable crude protein (uCP=undegraded feed protein + microbial protein) (X, g/kg) calculated from in vivo experiments and the uAA (Y, g/kg) estimated from in vitro incubations both in Expt. 1: y= 0.95 x-1.39, r2=0.85, p<0.001,n=30; and in Expt. 2: Y=0.85X-6.67,r2= 0.85,p<0.001,n=33. Statistical analysis indicates that there was a significant regressive relationship between uAA determined with the rumen fluid of a sheep (X, g/kg) and uAA determined with the rumen fluid of a cow (Y, g/kg): Y=1.06X+12.4,r2= 0.80,p<0.001,n=27. The results indicate that the in vitro incubation technique of Zhao and Lebzien (2000) can be used for the estimation of uAA of feeds for ruminants. As a rumen-fistulated cow is more expensive than a rumen-fistulated sheep, it is suggested to use a sheep fed a mixed ration as the donor of rumen fluid for the estimation of uAA of feeds with in vitro incubation. Further experiments should be performed to standardize the method and to test the most valid length of the incubation period.

New recommendations for the energy and nutrient supply of dairy cows and heifers in Germany

In summary, GfE (2001) give not only a view on energy and nutrient requirements, and the official recommendations for supply in Germany established by the Society of Nutrition Physiology, but also a comprehensive literature review on the particular issues. Some gaps of knowledge on requirements of dairy cows and heifers were identified and the need of further research was determined. The derivation of the new recommendations under consideration of physiological aspects has been demonstrated in the paper.

Effect of starch application into the proximal duodenum of ruminants on starch digestibility in the small and total intestine

Four Slovakian Black-and-white bulls (LW 410 +/- 12 kg; Exp. 1) and four Slovakian Black-and-white non lactating dairy cows (LW 475 +/- 14 kg; Exp. 2) with permanent ruminal cannulas, duodenal T-cannulas and ileal re-entrant cannulas were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design to determine the postruminal capacity of starch digestion. In Exp. 1 bulls received 5.4 kg DM from corn silage and 3.6 kg DM from alfalfa hay, in Exp. 2 cows consumed only 2.1 kg DM corn silage and 1.9 kg DM alfalfa hay. Additionally, either 750 or 1500 g (Exp. 1) or resp. 1000 or 2000 g (Exp. 2) gelatinized corn or wheat starch per animal and day were applied as pulse doses or as infusion into the proximal duodenum. In both experiments the duodenal and ileal nutrient flow, as well as the faecal excretion without starch application, were measured in a pre-period. After starting starch application ileal digesta and faeces were sampled over 120 h after 9 or 23 days of adaptation respectively. Cr2O3 was used as a flow marker. It was shown, that the capacity of starch utilisation in the small intestine was limited. The effect of different doses of bypass-starch was more pronounced than the effect of different starch sources. Starch digestibility decreased with increasing amounts of starch in the intestine (Exp. 1: corn starch: from 74.3 to 68.0%, P < 0.001; wheat starch: from 76.7 to 67.4%, P < 0.001; Exp. 2: corn starch: from 71.4 to 50.3%. P < 0.001; wheat starch: from 73.8 to 53.1%, P < 0.001). Corn starch was 0.6 to 2.4% units (P < 0.05) and 2.4 to 2.8% units (P < 0.001) less digested than wheat starch in Exp. 1 and Exp. 2, respectively.

Effect of harvest date and variety on ruminal degradability of ensiled maize grains in dairy cows

In this study we investigated the influence of harvest date and genotype on the ruminal degradability of the organic matter of ensiled maize grains. Grains of the varieties Avenir, Byzance, CGS 5104 and CGS 5107 from six different harvest dates were available; they are classified as intermediate types between flint and dent corn. The six harvest dates, during which time the dry matter content of the ensiled grains rose from 52% to 66%, extended from 1st September to 19th October. Assuming a passage rate of k = 0.08, the effective ruminal degradability declined in this period on average from 93% to just under 79%; variety-specific deviations also increased markedly during this period. The dry matter content (x, DM in %) of the ensiled grains had a profound influence on ruminal degradation: a highly significant curvilinear decline in ruminal degradability (y) was calculated at increasing DM levels (k = 0.08), which can be described by the equation y = -0.072x2 (+/- 0.010) + 7.417x (+/- 1.186) - 98.71 (+/- 34.58) (B = 0.96; sy.x[%] = 1.36). The ruminal degradability of ensiled maize grains is about 5-10% higher than that of fresh maize grains.

Research note: effect of duration of the collection period on the estimated digestibility in dairy cows

A digestion trial was performed with 14 lactating Friesian dairy cows to compare the estimated digestibility of crude nutrients after collecting the faeces for 5, 7 and 9 d. The experimental ration consisted of grass silage (7.3 kg DM) and concentrate (10.9 kg DM). Animals were adapted to the ration for 14 d. There was no effect of the duration of the collection period on the estimated mean digestibility of crude nutrients and on the respective standard deviation. In consequence, in digestibility trials with cows the collection period must not exceed 5 d.

Development of an in vitro incubation technique for the estimation of the utilizable crude protein (uCP) in feeds for cattle

An in vitro incubation technique based on the first stage of the in vitro digestion technique published by Tilley and Terry (1963) was developed to estimate the utilizable crude protein (uCP) of single feeds and feed mixtures as non ammonia-N after 24 h of incubation. The results of 25 feed samples showed that there was a significant relationship between the uCP values calculated by regression based on in vivo data sets (Y, CP [g.kg-1 DM]) and those measured by the in vitro incubation technique (X, CP [g.kg-1 DM], 24 h incubation): y = 0.85x + 18.0, r2 = 0.84, P < or = 0.001. It was concluded that it can be possible to determine the uCP value of single feeds or feed mixtures by this in vitro incubation technique and to estimate the uCP value of feeds by this regression equation.

Calculation of utilizable crude protein at the duodenum of cattle by two different approaches

The duodenal flow of utilizable crude protein (crude protein minus endogenous protein) in cows was estimated using dietary parameters, first by multiple regression and secondly by the addition of microbial protein and undegraded feed protein. These estimates were compared with 327 results from experiments conducted with fistulated cows in Braunschweig-Völkenrode and Rostock-Dummerstorf. The regressions and the measurements for microbial protein synthesis as well as feed protein degradation and organic matter fermentation in the rumen were based on the same experimental data set. The prediction of utilizable crude protein (uCP) at the duodenum by regression with digested organic matter (kg DOM) and undegraded feed protein (g UDP) as predicting variables, was more accurate than the value given by microbial protein synthesis and rumen protein degradability. The regression model [g uCP = [188.5-(116.5 (UDP/CP))] DOM + 1.03 UDP] had the highest coefficient of determination (r2 = 0.91) and the lowest coefficient of variation (cv = 8.6); indicating the model's superiority over the other method of estimation.